BECAUSE HE CARES A talent based ministry providing hope and options to the urban community through outreach, education, and prevention services.   Because He Cares Updates:   STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Participants in this program are from Perkins Middle School and have been applying the leadership traits they studied by helping Erie Island Elementary School students organize a canned food drive to support a local food pantry.           The program to kickoff the can food drive!!   OUTREACH: Live Drama Ministry – Since 1980, tens of thousands of people have heard the message of hope made possible through Jesus Christ. Plays like “No Choice Left”, “Days Gone By”, “A Matter of Attitude”, “The Grip” and “Street Life” have been presented in correctional facilities, drug rehab centers, to youth groups, for ministry retreats, in schools, universities, urban ministries and in churches. These gripping dramas reflect the issues of contemporary life and offer hope through Jesus Christ.   To schedule a drama workshop for your youth group To become a volunteer actor or work behind the scenes To invite our Drama Outreach Team to present a program Call 330-762-8884 or e-mail us a darryl@bhcministry.org.   Testimonies:   “Man, that's exactly what it's like" says one recovering addicts after seeing a presentation of “The Grip”. This play’s powerful depiction of the drug cocaine and its ability to control and even seemingly “talk to” its victims has impacted the lives of hundreds of people who have seen it.  However, hope for a new life is available through Jesus Christ.   Summer Child Enrichment Program This weekly outreach for children provides a unique opportunity for them to participate in Bible Clubs and creative learning activities during the summer.  The children meet on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and also enjoy pizza, juice, and lots of games!! Children between the ages of 4 – 14 years old are welcome to attend. This year's program will begin on Saturday, July 18 and run through Saturday, August 15.  To receive CEP program registration information please call 330-762-8884 or e-mail us at darryl@bhcministry.org.  Below are highlights from the 2008 program!         EDUCATION:  After School Programs                                                          Facts about After School Programs* 25% of K-12 youth care for themselves in the afternoons.  Older children are more likely to spend time unsupervised Demand for after school programs is much higher for African American and Hispanic families.  53% of African American parents and 40% of Hispanic parents say they would enroll their children in an after school program, if a program were available.    91% of parents of children in after school programs are extremely or somewhat satisfied with those programs 25% of African American children have no Adult supervision after school, and care for themselves during the afternoon hours * Statistic provided by After School Alliance   Because He Cares has provided after school programs to Akron Public Schools for more than ten years.  Our Student Leadership Development provides a comprehensive three-phase program in the following key areas: leadership development, creative arts or entrepreneurial education, and community reinvestment.  For more information or to register your child for this year’s after school program call 330-762-8884 or e-mail us at darryl@bhcministry.org.   Because He Cares can provide an after school program for your church's youth outreach program.  To find out how call 330-762-8884 or e-mail us at darryl@bhcministry.org.   PREVENTION:  Student Communication This program is one of the special programs designed to help youth avoid destructive behavior such as gang membership, drug use, and criminal activity. This program employs high school teens and/or college interns and works with then in the production of video/DVD programming.     Students conduct the research, write scripts, and assist in the production of these DVD's under the supervision of the program director.  Students have produced prevention videos used by the Ohio Department of Health, Pregnancy Centers around the country, and in schools.  For current prevention programs visit our "Programs and Services" web page.   ______________________  Links:  myspace.com/bhcministry           JOIN OUR FACEBOOK CAUSE www.causes.com/urbanyouthinitiative If you have ever acted in a "Because He Cares" production some of these plays are now available on DVD and can be ordered for a donation of $10.  "Street Life", "Experience in Pride", "No Choices Left", "The Real Good News" and others can  be ordered by calling 330-762-8884 or e-mail us at darryl@bhcministry.org.   If you were ever a volunteer or actor with Because He Cares...let us know.  Go to our Contact Us page and send us an e-mail at darryl@bhcministry.org.  We will be celebrating our 30 year of ministry soon and we want to hear from you!